At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage The Julian Opie Shop, from setup to daily operations and eShop fulfilment.
- Company: Join a creative team led by renowned artist Julian Opie.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in retail management within an artistic environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for self-starters with a passion for arts and culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique blend of art and retail, shaping the customer experience.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong organisational skills, and IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working with artist Julian Opie and his wider studio team, this is a multi-faceted role focused on management of The Julian Opie Shop, conceived by the artist in the 2010s as an outlet for the ever-increasing number of items he makes alongside his artworks. All the objects for sale, including postcards, badges, statuettes, clothing and books, reflect his desire to break down the barriers between what is deemed to be 'fine art' and 'everyday'.
The shop is established online and is now set to open a pop-up store in the vicinity of the artist's East London Studio. This role will oversee and implement that opening, as well as managing the shop on a day-to-day basis and eventually taking over the running and in-house fulfilment of the eShop. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter to bring their vision and experience and further grow this area of the studio’s activity.
Key responsibilities include:
- Set up of the physical store (fit out; implementing payment and finance systems; visual merchandising; ordering supplies).
- Day to day running of the store (days and hours to be discussed).
- Organisation of stock storage and ongoing stock management.
- eShop Management (Uploading products; copywriting; eventual migration of existing eShop into a new platform; implementing shipping APIs).
- E-shop fulfilment (pick and pack; booking courier collections).
- Managing trade orders from museums and other retailers.
- Customer Service (monitoring the shop email inbox; resolving issues; responding to enquiries).
- Assisting with product development (finding new suppliers; ordering tests; devising packaging).
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Demonstrable experience in the retail sector, in-depth understanding of the day-to-day processes of running an independent shop.
- Experience with the set up and running of payment and finances processes.
- Aptitude for visual merchandising and practical experience of the sector (e.g. knowledge of relevant suppliers).
- High level of organisation and communication skills.
- Experience with setting up systems and processes.
- IT proficient, experience with website CMS, including Shopify or similar.
- Problem solving and acute attention to detail. Must work with focus to achieve finessed results that meet the standards of the artist.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Previous experience working in an arts or culture related environment.
- Understanding of UK and EU VAT regulation in relation to retail.
- Proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator, or other design software.
- Experience with accounting software, specifically Xero.
Interviews will take place in July 2026 with the role to commence as soon as possible. Please send your CV and covering letter, outlining your suitability for the role, by email via the button below by 6pm on 26th June 2026.
Retail Manager employer: JULIAN OPIE
At The Julian Opie Shop, we pride ourselves on fostering a creative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and personal growth. As a Retail Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the retail experience of an artist-driven brand in vibrant East London, with access to professional development and the chance to collaborate closely with a renowned artist. Our commitment to breaking down barriers between fine art and everyday items creates a dynamic atmosphere where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like JULIAN OPIE, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like JULIAN OPIE!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at JULIAN OPIE, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at JULIAN OPIE and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show JULIAN OPIE that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at JULIAN OPIE
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
